Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Nollywood

  • Allwell Ademola’s last Instagram video goes viral as fans mourn Yoruba film star

    Allwell Ademola’s last Instagram video goes viral as fans mourn Yoruba film star

    2025-12-31 15:18:00

    According to Punch, Yoruba film actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola posted a video with a prayer-like message shortly before reports of her death, and the clip later went viral as fans flooded her comments with shock.

    The report notes the lyrics—shared as an end-of-year declaration—quickly became the emotional center of online mourning.

    • Punch Newspapers (Punchng.com): “this year will not see my end.”
    • Premium Times (Premiumtimesng.com): “died on 27 December 2025 at the age of 43.”

    Echotitbits take: Social media becomes both shrine and loudspeaker in moments like this. Watch next for the family’s preferred narrative (privacy vs public tributes) and whether colleagues push renewed health-awareness messaging across the industry.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-27 — https://punchng.com/video-this-year-will-not-see-my-end-actress-allwell-ademola-sings-in-last-post-before-death/

    The Punch
    2025-12-27
    Photo Credit:  The Punch

  • Allwell Ademola Tributes Continue as Family Clarifies Key Details

    Allwell Ademola Tributes Continue as Family Clarifies Key Details

    2025-12-30 18:00:00
    In an update carried by Punch, the family of late actress/producer Allwell Ademola mourned her and clarified details that have been circulating publicly as tributes continue to spread.
    Guardian Life also reported the death and noted the wave of colleague and fan reactions, keeping the story trending as more memorial posts appear.
    While the passing occurred earlier in the week, the topic remains active as the industry shares memories and audiences seek reliable information.

    Guardian Life’s report described her as having “died at the age of 49,” while Punch noted the family’s clarification on her age in its coverage.

    Echotitbits take:
    When grief is public, misinformation can spike. The responsible move is to rely on family statements and reputable outlets, avoid speculating about causes, and watch for official burial/funeral information from trusted channels.
    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 — https://punchng.com/family-mourns-late-nollywood-actress-allwell-ademola/
    The Punch
    2025-12-28
    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ Crosses ₦380m in 11 Days, Distributor Says

    Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ Crosses ₦380m in 11 Days, Distributor Says

    2025-12-30 14:00:00
    According to Punch, FilmOne Entertainment announced that Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” has grossed over ₦380 million in 11 days, with an updated figure published as of December 29.
    The update positions the film as one of the season’s strongest cinema performers, keeping momentum alive through verified public box-office numbers.
    Online amplification has helped sustain the storyline beyond opening weekend, as fans track progress against other holiday releases.

    Vanguard also carried the same update, repeating the phrase “Oversabi box office takeover,” while Film/industry Instagram pages posted “grossing over N380 million in just 11 days…”

    Echotitbits take:
    Weekly verified numbers are becoming a content engine for Nollywood. Watch for overseas screening rollouts, extended runs, and whether competing releases trigger another “numbers weekend” as studios chase holiday dominance.
    Source: Punch — December 29, 2025 — https://punchng.com/toyin-abrahams-oversabi-aunty-film-grosses-over-%e2%82%a6380m-in-11-days/?amp=
    Punch
    2025-12-29
    Photo Credit: Nollywood Reporter

  • NFVCB Defends Ini Edo Film Title After Backlash, Floats Compromise

    NFVCB Defends Ini Edo Film Title After Backlash, Floats Compromise

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-24 08:00:00

    According to Punch, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) says Ini Edo’s movie title “A Very Dirty Christmas” was cleared after review and was not intended as an attack on Christianity, following public backlash from Christian groups.

    The board’s explanation is that the phrase should be interpreted within the story’s theme rather than as a statement about Christmas itself, while also suggesting a possible compromise to reduce tension.

    • Premium Times (website): “The title Dirty Christmas is not an insult to the Body of Christ.”
    • Christian Association of Nigeria — Facebook (verified org page): “CAN … is deeply troubled by the title …”

    Echotitbits take: This is a familiar flashpoint in Nollywood: artistic choices meeting faith sensitivities at peak holiday season. Watch whether a title adjustment happens, whether cinemas face organized pressure, and whether the controversy ends up boosting attention and ticket demand.

    Source: The Punch — Dec 24, 2025 — https://punchng.com/nfvcb-defends-a-very-dirty-christmas-title-seeks-change-after-backlash/

    The Punch
    2025-12-24

  • Censors push for title change as Ini Edo’s Christmas film name triggers backlash

    Censors push for title change as Ini Edo’s Christmas film name triggers backlash

    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

    2025-12-24 08:00:00
    In an update published by Punch, Nigeria’s film censors (NFVCB) defended approving the title “A Very Dirty Christmas” while acknowledging public concerns and urging the producers to adjust the title.

    The debate has spilled across social media, with critics arguing the wording clashes with cultural and religious sensitivities during the holiday season.

    NFVCB’s position, as reported, is that classification is a regulatory step—not an endorsement of every interpretation—but it is engaging the producers in response to the backlash.

    Premium Times (News site) also echoed the same development, noting: “the title would be changed following reactions” (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/). Prompt News Online (News site) also echoed the same development, noting: “NFVCB Defends Approval of ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title” (https://promptnewsonline.com/).

    Echotitbits take: This is a familiar Nollywood flashpoint: creative marketing versus public sensibilities. The bigger story is how producers, platforms and regulators now manage brand risk in real time—titles and posters can become liabilities overnight once the online backlash starts.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle— December 24, 2025 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/can-lambasts-ini-edo-over-offensive-christmas-movie-title/
    TheCable Lifestyle
    2025-12-24

  • Doris Ogala’s livestream drama spikes after reports of police intervention

    Doris Ogala’s livestream drama spikes after reports of police intervention

    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

    2025-12-21 09:10:00
    According to Punch, Nollywood actress Doris Ogala’s online outburst intensified after reports linked her ongoing dispute with pastor Chris Okafor to police action during a livestream.

    The clips spread rapidly across repost pages, but interpretations differ—some framed it as an arrest while others suggested it could have been a routine police visit or invitation.

    As the story ricochets across timelines, the key outstanding issue is whether any formal complaint or official police statement backs the viral framing.

    Punch Newspaper’s Facebook post carried the claim: “Actress in break-up fight with Lagos pastor allegedly arrested”. Legit.ng ran a related update headlined: “Doris Ogala Shares Rare Photo of Pastor Chris Okafor, Claims It Was Taken After Bedroom Activity”.

    Echotitbits take:
    This is a reminder that livestream drama can become legal exposure fast. Watch for any police clarification, lawyer statements, or retractions/corrections—until then, treat viral snippets as incomplete context.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle — 2025-12-21 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/doris-ogala-arrested-after-sharing-bedroom-photo-of-chris-okafor/

    TheCable Lifestyle

    2025-12-21

  • Doris Ogala Serves Pastor Chris Okafor ₦1bn Notice as Claims Spill Into Public View

    Doris Ogala Serves Pastor Chris Okafor ₦1bn Notice as Claims Spill Into Public View

    2025-12-18 08:00:00

    As reported by TheCable Lifestyle, actress Doris Ogala has served Grace Nation founder Pastor Chris Okafor a ₦1 billion pre-action notice over allegations tied to their fallout.

    The report says the dispute intensified after a video of Okafor’s engagement or wedding circulated online, with Ogala alleging betrayal and damages.

    At the time of reporting, TheCable noted the pastor had not publicly responded to the claims.

    Verification
    Vanguard (news outlet): “clear, consistent and unequivocal promise.”
    The Nigerian Lawyer (legal news site): “a cumulative sum of N45 million… and N1 billion.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is allegation-driven and should be treated cautiously until tested in court. The next signal is whether a formal response or filing emerges; reputational impact may hit faster than legal resolution.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle — 2025-12-18 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/doris-ogala-serves-chris-okafor-n1bn-notice-for-dumping-her-marrying-another-lady/

    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle
    2025-12-18

  • CAN Slams Ini Edo’s ‘Dirty Christmas’ Title, Rekindling Faith-and-Film Debate

    CAN Slams Ini Edo’s ‘Dirty Christmas’ Title, Rekindling Faith-and-Film Debate

    2025-12-17 08:00:00

    Reporting via The Punch, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the title of Ini Edo’s film A Very Dirty Christmas, saying it is offensive and disrespectful to Christian sensibilities.

    CAN argues the word choice undermines the spiritual meaning of Christmas and could inflame tensions in a multi-faith society.

    The controversy has also triggered fresh conversations about Nollywood marketing, regulatory approvals, and where creative freedom meets public offense.

    Verification
    TheCable Lifestyle (media outlet): “Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.”
    New Telegraph (news outlet): “Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This will likely test how producers manage backlash during peak box-office season. Watch for a producer response (apology/clarification), any title/marketing adjustments, and whether regulators issue guidance on sensitive branding.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-17 — https://punchng.com/can-says-ini-edos-a-very-dirty-christmas-movie-title-offensive-to-christians/

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-17

  • Tonto Dikeh shares testimony of quitting smoking after 27 years, says the turning point came through faith

    Tonto Dikeh shares testimony of quitting smoking after 27 years, says the turning point came through faith

    Photo/Video credit: DCLImagery (YouTube)

    According to Punch, actress Tonto Dikeh narrated a personal testimony at Streams of Joy International Church, saying she quit smoking after a 27-year habit that began in her teens.

    The account was shared widely online as clips of the service circulated, with commenters debating addiction, healing, and the role of community support.

    Dikeh framed the story as a new chapter, urging people who are struggling privately to seek help and stay accountable.

    • Vanguard (website): “Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh has recounted… a personal breakthrough from years of smoking…”
    • TheCable Lifestyle (website): “Speaking during a recent Sunday service… Dikeh framed her story… as an act of thanksgiving.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Celebrity testimonies can be polarizing, but they also open up real conversations about addiction, relapse risk, and where to find support. What matters next is follow-through—watch for whether Dikeh partners with credible wellness/mental-health or stop-smoking initiatives, and whether the discussion shifts from ‘viral moment’ to practical resources for the public.

    Source: Punch — 2025-12-15 — https://punchng.com/i-smoked-for-27-years-started-at-13-tonto-dikeh/

    2025-12-15

  • Mercy Aigbe lands BON Awards supporting-actress win as ‘My Mother Is a Witch’ gets major nod

    Mercy Aigbe lands BON Awards supporting-actress win as ‘My Mother Is a Witch’ gets major nod

    Photo credit: Premium Times (image on story page)

    According to Premium Times, Mercy Aigbe was recognised at the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards for her supporting performance in ‘My Mother Is a Witch’.

    The recognition adds to a big night for multiple titles, with the awards rewarding both star power and craft across the slate.

    Fans quickly pushed clips and congratulations across social media, keeping the BON conversation trending into the next morning.

    • The Eagle Online (website): “BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – MERCY AIGBE (MY MOTHER IS A WITCH)”
    • TheCable Lifestyle (website): “The 17th edition of the award ceremony… celebrated the outstanding achievements of the industry…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: For Mercy Aigbe, a BON acting win is not just bragging rights—it can translate into stronger negotiating power for future roles, higher demand for press tours, and renewed attention for the film itself. Watch for distributor/streaming pushes and award-season campaign positioning as Nollywood’s calendar shifts toward bigger international visibility.

    Source: Premium Times — 2025-12-15 — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/843149-bon-awards-2025-farmers-bride-wins-movie-of-the-year-as-seven-doors-sweeps-technical-awards.html

    2025-12-15